High-Tech Industrial Careers: A CNC Overview

The industrial and manufacturing sector in the U.S. has undergone a renaissance over the past decade. Automation technology has breathed new life into vocational work. Unmet demand for technically savvy workers in the industrial sector has taken on the narrative of a skills gap in manufacturing. A study by Delloite reveals this skills gap may leave an estimated 2.4 million positions unfilled from 2018-2028.

One of the areas most affected by a shortage of skilled workers is in CNC machinery. Production in many modern factories use Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machine tools—presses, lathes, grinders, mills and drills that fabricate metals and plastics using digitized instruction sets. CNC machines are used to manufacture complex parts for medical devices, vehicle and aerospace equipment, HVAC and refrigeration machinery, premium home furnishings and electronics, among many other things.

Career Arc for CNC Machinists, Programmers, and Engineers

CNC technology has progressed quickly, and vocational training programs are challenged to keep pace supplying job-ready employees. Much of the expertise in CNC machinery actively works in the field. Forward-thinking manufacturers have started their own apprenticeships and training programs to train their own workforce in partnership with a local technical college or vocational school. Others rely on finding experienced labor by offering to compensate relocation costs for new hires.

Generally, careers using CNC machine tools progress down a few different paths. A student with a high school diploma can be workforce-ready using CNC machine tools as soon as after a year of training. Some companies offer apprentice programs wherein entry level workers learn alongside industry professionals for a set number of hours—usually 10,000 hours completed over 3-5 years—wherein they learn all the operations and specialize themselves in the particular type of CNC shop where they work.

CNC Machinist or CNC Operator

A career as a CNC Machinist generally is the first step in the career arc of someone working with one or more pieces of CNC machinery—5-axis/6-axis machining, lathes, routers, milling, routers, plasma and laser cutters. The work entails making adjustments to machine controls and material feed, altering the path of the cut, cleaning and maintenance of the machine, and using precision measuring equipment like calipers, micrometer, depth gauges and indicators. Usually machinists must be able to read blueprints and drawings, and have familiarity with CAD/CAM software.

Most companies prefer to fill CNC machinist jobs with candidates that have 1-3 years of past experience or have completed an apprenticeship. A typical salary starts at around $40,000 per year, and tops out at around $65,000 annually with 3-5 years of experience.

CNC Programmer

Typically, someone who works five or more years as a CNC Machinist steps into a CNC Programming role after receiving additional training on the job or through a vocational credential program. For highly specialized roles, a four-year engineering degree is preferred. CNC programmers write the instructions using AutoCAD/CAM software, G-Code, SolidWorks, and other programs read by CNC machines’ computer systems. The instructions plot out manufacturing in a step-by-step sequence, calculating material feed, physical production methods, and product specifications. Programmers may oversee machinists on the manufacturing line.

Compensation for experienced CNC Programmers is competitive and starts around $70,000 per year, and can reach over $100,000 in annual salary near the top of the range.

CNC Engineer

The usual route into a CNC manufacturing engineering role requires a degree in mechanical or industrial engineering from a four year university program plus experience with CNC machining and programming, usually obtained from a trade or vocational program. The work requires the technical aptitude associated with machining and programming, and soft skills like strong written and oral communication are important.

CNC manufacturing engineers are sometimes called process engineers. The work involves research and design conducted in the development of manufacturing processes. In that regard, project management skills and mindset are favorable attributes for a candidate—especially if he or she has experience in the project management methodology of choice of the company looking to fill the position.

Manufacturing engineers often deal with clientele, supervisors, and other engineers, so the role requires a higher degree of business acumen. Engineers must manage deadlines, budgetary constraints, and employ problem-solving and troubleshooting skills. The workday is split between the shop floor and an office setting.

CNC engineering commands a lucrative salary especially with some experience. A mechanical engineer starts out making around $70,000 annually. After three years of experience, engineers with a background in CNC can earn a salary well over $100,000, ranging to $140,000 in coastal markets.